hail-hail

Thinking of buying a 740 BMW, need some opinions...

I currently run an STi3, and doing about 30-40K per year. Car is coming up on 100K miles.
As opposed to running up more miles on the scoob, I was thinking of retiring the scoob to the garage for weekends and running a large mileage cruncher, hence the 740.

Have been looking around and you can pick up a 50-60K miler with FSH from around 12-14 grand.

Apart from the spec I really don't know much about the car, servicing, mpg, known problems etc. So I am really looking for any advice from those with experience of this car.

I'm not restricting myself to the BMW marque either, will consider A8, big merc etc, just need some advice to get me going.....

Flyboy-F33

740 is huge and expensive to run. I would recommend a 528, feels like a smaller car to drive with big interior and much cheaper servicing. (have you checked out the price of an oil filter for a 740)? You could try an 840Ci, and I just happen to have one for sale right now...lots of rarity value..

brickboy

The other option is a 728, they're surprisingly quick and economical, a contact of mine typically gets 25 - 28 mpg out of his without really trying to drive economically. Lots of toys too.

The other one to maybe consider is a Lexus LS400 -- they seem to be very cheap at the moment. No idea on servicing costs, however. And getting one that doesn't have gold badges could be tricky

bros2

[Edited by bros2 - 7/3/2003 2:32:52 PM]

hail-hail

Thanks guys, all good comments , keep them coming.

Toerag

I second the 8 series, they just look so cool, definitely a class above the usual BM's & mercs. I know nothing about running costs though

47 NAT

Try and get one with Sat Nav as there a bit more desirable. Nice cars though, with a good build quality and bomb proof engines.

Nath

workshy_fopp

Can't see any reason for going for a 7 series over a 5-series unless you need more rear legroom.
The 7's going to be dearer to service, will depreciate more and will be harder to sell. They do look bloody good though.

Have a look in the car-by-car breakdown on honestjohn.co.uk - just don't go anywhere near the forums

clarence

If u're getting a 528i or a 728i, avoid pre-MY98 cars. They have issues regarding premature engine wear, due to high Sulphur content in UK fuels then. Post-MY98 cars used a different coating on the cylinder bores, & the improved engine can be identified by the presence of Double VANOS.

XT

IMHO, the 4.0 litre V-8 from the 740 is among the 5 best engines BMW has ever made.

ustolemyname??stevieturbo

iTrader: (1)

Also heard bad stories about the nikasil bore wear on the V8's
Some engines were replaced under warranty, but a lot were not. Not sure what years were affected though.
7 series are cool cars though, but so are A8's
Suppose something a bit smaller might be an A6 2.5tdi. It will probably pull as well as the 2.8 petrols ( but far more torque ) and do twice as many mpg.
The new generation of diesels arounds can be very impressive.

Brendan Hughes

If you're cracking up the miles, I'd look at a diesel, unless someone else is paying your fuel bills. What about those W124 E-class mercs that go on for half a million km?